The Common Application ED Agreement: What You Need to Know
If you`re applying to college, you`ve probably heard of the Common Application. It`s a standardized college application that allows you to apply to multiple schools at once. You fill out one application and send it to the schools on your list. But did you know that some schools offer an early decision (ED) option through the Common App? And that there`s an ED agreement you have to sign if you apply ED?
Here`s what you need to know about the Common Application ED agreement.
What is early decision?
Early decision is a binding agreement between you and the college. If you apply ED and get accepted, you must attend that college. You can`t compare financial aid offers from other schools, and you can`t keep your options open until May 1 like regular decision applicants can.
Why do colleges offer early decision?
Colleges offer early decision because it`s a way to increase their yield, or the percentage of admitted students who enroll. When a student applies ED, they`re saying to the college, “If you admit me, I`ll come.” This makes it easier for colleges to predict how many students will enroll and to shape their incoming class to meet their goals.
What is the Common Application ED agreement?
The Common Application ED agreement is a form you have to sign if you apply ED through the Common App. It`s a legally binding contract between you, your parent or guardian, and the college. By signing the agreement, you`re agreeing to attend the college if you`re accepted and offered a financial aid package that makes attending affordable for you.
What are the terms of the Common Application ED agreement?
The terms of the Common Application ED agreement vary by college, but most agreements include the following:
– You`re applying ED to only one college.
– If you`re accepted ED, you`ll withdraw all other college applications.
– You`ll attend the college if you`re accepted and offered a financial aid package that makes attending affordable for you.
– You`ll submit a nonrefundable deposit by the deadline specified by the college.
– You understand that the ED agreement is binding and that you could face consequences if you don`t honor it.
What are the consequences of breaking the Common Application ED agreement?
If you sign the Common Application ED agreement and then break it, you could face consequences that vary by college. Here are some possible consequences:
– The college could rescind your admission offer.
– The college could notify other colleges that you broke the ED agreement, which could harm your chances of getting into other schools.
– The college could sue you for breach of contract.
– The college could revoke your financial aid offer or require you to pay full tuition and fees.
Is early decision right for you?
Only you can decide if applying ED is the right choice for you. Here are some things to consider:
– Do you have a clear first-choice college?
– Have you researched the college thoroughly and visited the campus if possible?
– Do you understand the financial implications of applying ED?
– Would you be comfortable attending the college even if you don`t get a generous financial aid package?
– Would you be comfortable withdrawing all other college applications if you`re accepted ED?
If you`re not sure if early decision is right for you, talk to your college counselor, your parents, and anyone else who can give you advice. And remember, you don`t have to apply ED to get into a great college. Regular decision applicants still have a chance of getting into their top-choice schools, and they have more time to compare financial aid offers and make a decision that`s right for them.